After horrible begin, will Kansas State soccer lose to Kansas and miss a bowl sport? – The Topeka Capital-Journal

MANHATTAN — The “panic button” has been pressed; the alarms have sounded. Nevertheless you wish to say it, the sensation across the 2025 Kansas State soccer program just isn’t good.
K-State is 1-3 to start the season, entering an open week on a two-game losing streak with losses to Military and Arizona. As soon as thought to probably be a Massive 12 contender, the Wildcats are within the midst of a nightmare state of affairs by way of their first 4 weeks.
Until the Wildcats discover a approach to get up, the horrors of this season may continue.
The worst-case state of affairs might embrace Kansas snapping its 16-game shedding streak in opposition to the Wildcats and the opportunity of lacking a bowl sport for the primary time since 2020. The Wildcats are trending towards each low factors.
A fast look on the schedule and also you’d most likely circle the Wildcats as a favourite for 3 extra video games this season: Sept. 27 in opposition to UCF, Nov. 15 at Oklahoma State and Nov. 29 at dwelling in opposition to Colorado.
UCF, which KSU performs after the off week, is in its first season of Scott Frost’s second stint, who’s within the midst of a rebuilding 12 months. A house sport after per week off may be what the Wildcats must refocus. UCF began the season by struggling to beat Jacksonville State after which blowing out FCS North Carolina A&T final week.
After that? A tough four-game stretch all in opposition to groups that obtained votes within the newest US LBM Coaches Ballot, capped off by a house sport in opposition to No. 17 Texas Tech. The journey to Baylor, a house sport in opposition to TCU and a visit to Kansas earlier than then do not look too favorable.
The Wildcats will make a journey to Oklahoma State when it seems Mike Gundy could possibly be on his method out, earlier than touring to Utah, which might win the league. Ok-State concludes the season with Deion Sanders’ rebuilding Colorado crew in Manhattan.
5 extra wins on this remaining schedule is difficult to see proper now.
It must be now or by no means for Lance Leipold to guide the Jayhawks to a win over the Wildcats, proper?
Leipold helped make the Jayhawks a good program, main them to a pair of bowl video games after the dumpster fireplace that was Les Miles’ tenure, which ended together with his firing. Nonetheless, though he is come shut, he hasn’t been in a position to beat the Wildcats.
With the way in which Kansas has seemed to begin the season, the Jayhawks look destined to beat the Wildcats for the primary time since 2008. The Mark Mangino-led Jayhawks received the sport 52-21 behind Jake Sharp’s 181 yards and 4 touchdowns on the bottom. Josh Freeman threw three picks for Ok-State within the sport.
To date this season, Jalon Daniels has seemed nice (and wholesome) behind heart, and KU was a menace to beat a strong Missouri crew till late. By showcasing the sport at its newly renovated stadium, the whole lot is coming collectively for this to be the 12 months KU claims the state.
With the way in which Kansas is investing in soccer, this might simply be the start of the Jayhawks discovering extra success within the rivalry.
Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Community and Topeka Capital-Journal. You possibly can observe him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or e-mail him at wwheeler@gannett.com

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